Keta: Madam Dora Kugbonu, the Keta Municipal Health Promotion Officer in the Volta Region, has cautioned the public against discrimination, myths, and misconceptions surrounding individuals living with Tuberculosis (TB).
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Kugbonu highlighted that TB continues to be a major global public health threat. She emphasized the importance of support from individuals, corporate organizations, and philanthropists to educate the public and encourage patients to live better lives. In an interview commemorating World TB Day, she underscored the significance of this occasion for health workers, partners, researchers, TB communities, and governments contributing to the fight against tuberculosis.
Madam Kugbonu explained that World TB Day is dedicated to educating and creating awareness about the disease. In Ghana, the commemoration occurs annually in March, with activities throughout the year to curb the disease's spread. This year's activities include advocacy resource mobilization, the Ministry of Health's launch of World TB Day, public engagement, media advocacy, and corporate engagement.
Citing World Health Organisation (WHO) data, she noted that TB ranks among the top ten causes of death. Globally, over 3,420 people die daily from TB, while close to 30,000 fall ill. In Ghana, 39 people die, and 121 people fall sick daily from the disease. Collective efforts from institutions, including academia, business, media, and government, are essential to end TB and combat stigma and discrimination.
Madam Kugbonu elaborated on TB transmission, noting it spreads through droplet infection from activities like coughing and sneezing. While TB primarily affects the lungs, it can impact other body organs. She highlighted the need for support rather than discrimination for victims. Most adults in developing regions, including Ghana, are unknowingly exposed to TB bacteria, which can progress to active disease depending on individual immunity. High-risk groups include smokers, alcoholics, prisoners, and those in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
She advised that individuals with lowered immunity due to conditions like HIV, diabetes, cancers, and malnutrition should seek regular medical check-ups for early TB diagnosis and treatment to reduce its spread. TB is treatable with effective drugs using the Direct Observed Treatment (DOT) approach over six months, supervised by treatment supporters within communities.
Madam Kugbonu noted that TB patients on effective treatment become less infectious after two weeks but must complete a six-month treatment to be fully cured. She urged adherence to preventive protocols. The theme for the 2025 World TB Day was "Yes! We can End TB. Invest, Commit, Deliver."
